Michael M. Hawkins

Michael M. Hawkins

also known as Mike Hawkins

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

200 Ashford Center N, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 33 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1992

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hawkins Spizman Fortas, LLC

200 Ashford Center N, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA, 30338

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Michael M. Hawkins's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (38) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 38 reviews

Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

TOP NOTCH LAWYER

If ever in legal trouble with a DUI offense(s), Mike Hawkins is the one to retain! From the initial office visit through the entire legal process, Mike worked relentlessly (even through the pandemic) to ensure that I receive the best possible outcome. Without his expertise, dedication & vast networki...ng, my outcome could’ve been much worse. Thanks to him, not only was my charge reduced to reckless driving, he also was able to negotiate a conditional discharge to have my record cleaned, and have my license reinstated. My career, family & financial livelihood could have been devastating had I not received such a favorable outcome. I may never be able to thank Mike enough for everything he has done!

Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Absolute Pro!

Mike Hawkins is a God send!! Given my driving history I did not know what to expect after my last arrest. Mike met with me at his office and gave me a rundown of different scenarios of what could happen. He explained how to get on top of the case by finishing up things the judge would sentence you to.... This along with Mike's connections throughout Atlanta had my charges reduced and kept me out of jail. This is the best experience I have ever had with a lawyer and I've met a few. Mike made time for me even on his vacation. Five stars! Absolute Pro! Professional staff! I can't thank you enough Mike! If you are facing big trouble with a DUI arrest, do yourself a favor and hire Mike Hawkins immediately.

Posted by Michael | May 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Highly recommended!

I was referred to Attorney Hawkins by a friend following a DUI for which I was charged in February 2021. I was unsure and unknowledgeable about the legal processes; however, Attorney Hawkins invited me to his office within days of my consultation and assuaged my concerns, taking the time to teach me ...everything I needed to know about the situation I placed myself in and what I'd need to expect (e.g., scenarios and outcomes) during the coming months. He never made promises, but he remained confident, which gave me hope, and I couldn't have asked for a better advocate at the negotiating table. While he's a prominent lawyer and commands respect in the courtroom given the sheer amount of cases he's successfully resolved, he treated me as though I was his most important case. Attorney Hawkins attended all virtual court appearances, oftentimes even on my behalf, and my plea (i.e., DUI reduced to Reckless Driving) was arranged before my official court date a mere year later, so that I was already aware of the manageable legal requirements - such as fines, probation, community service, etc. - needed to continue on with my life. I couldn't recommend him more highly; Attorney Hawkins has certainly earned his reputation as a top-notch defense attorney.

Posted by Kris | March 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Lawyer Experience to Date

So I was referred to Mike thru a friend who had a DUI that said he was the best person to get me the outcome that I wanted for the charge. I reached out and from the very beginning the communication was superb which I can say from dealing with TONS of lawyers of the years for various reasons was a br...eath of fresh air. I sat with Mike and explained the situation with him as well as his partner and they broke down everything to me in extensive detail. I was convinced immediately that I would be hiring him and that is with him being the first and only lawyer I met with. Over the course of the next few months (and even longer due to the pandemic) everything that Mike described could happen as an outcome did and in the end I got exactly what I wanted. The best thing about Mike in my opinion is that he strives to ensure that you actually understand the legal side that I think too many lawyers gloss over and just expect you to blindly trust. I would recommend Mike to pretty much anyone who is in need (and is in state that he practices in) because if you want the best outcome he is definitely the man for the job.

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Excellent Service and Exceeded Expectations - DUI Case

Mike represented me in a DUI single car accident. I had a high BAC and a prior DUI charge. The prosecutors were pushing for 30-days in jail. This was deeply concerning as at the time more than a week away from work would derail my career. Through Mike's deep knowledge and relationships, Mike directed... and guided me through the steps to give us the best the chance for success. Mike's counseling got my sentence down from 30-days in jail to ZERO jail time and 200-hours of community service. I was already more than satisfied, but then on our court date, Mike further negotiated my community service hours down from 200 to 40... I honestly couldn't believe it. This was a huge weight off of my shoulders. My sentence includes a limited driving permit for 4 months, and a year probation, only having to call to check in once a month and ZERO probation costs. Much of my fees were waived by the judge, whom Mike has a great relationship with as well. Regarding Mike's professionalism and service, he was on top of everything and very responsive. He always returned calls in a timely manner—if he didn't answer the phone right away, which most of the time he did—and he was even reachable by text. I had a lot of questions and liked to stay "in-the-know", and Mike was very accommodating and made sure I was always kept up-to-date. I highly recommend hiring Mike to represent you.

See All Client Reviews

Michael M. Hawkins's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Kelly W. Case headshot
Kelly Case

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is an outstanding lawyer that does a first rate job for all of his clients. I highly respect his opinion and frequently call on him for his invaluable assistance on DWI cases. Great lawyer, great guy!"

Michael David Barber Jr. headshot
Michael Barber

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Mike. He works hard and is ethical. He is an exceptional attorney and works tirelessly for his clients clients."

Robert Frank Schnatmeier Jr. headshot
Robert Schnatmeier

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is one of the top DUI attorneys in Atlanta. He gets great results for his clients. I highly recommend Mike to anyone charged with DUI."

Justin Spizman headshot
Justin Spizman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"Mike is known as one of the most experienced and well-respected DUI attorneys in the State of Georgia. He is one of four Board Certified Defense Attorneys in the State and carries a wealth of knowledge that allows him to represent his clients at a high level. He works tirelessly for his clients to ensure they are protected and represented in any scenario. I confidently recommend Mike to anyone accused of DUI's or other serious driving cases."

Noah Howard Pines headshot
Noah Pines

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Shepherd West headshot
David West

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is without a doubt one of the top three DUI lawyers in the State of Georgia, if not the best. Michael has established himself through his hard-work, professionalism and successful results on behalf of his clients. He is known both in Georgia and nationally for his work and quite simply is a gentleman to deal with. I don't give out my endorsement to many lawyers but I can tell you with confidence that Michael Hawkins is an attorney I myself wouldn't hesitate using if I needed help with a DUI or traffic case."

Philip Andrew Holloway headshot
Philip Holloway

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He's one of the finest in the state. If you need him, he can help you without a doubt."

Brett D. Schandelson headshot
Brett Schandelson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"My experience with Mike Hawkins is through the National College for DUI Defense, where Mike is a highly respected member. I have also met and seen Mike present at numerous DUI related CLEs around the country. I highly recommend Mike."

Evan A. Watson headshot
Evan Watson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike Hawkins is widely regarded as one of the most studied and most effective DUI attorneys in the state. I have learned a lot from Mike's lectures, as he is a frequent speaker all over the nation. I would not hesitate to send anyone seeking a DUI attorney to Mike."

Joe Perkins Jr. headshot
Joe Perkins

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hawkins is widely respected and held in the highest regard in every Court in Metro Atlanta. Michael is respected among his colleagues of the D.U.I. and Criminal Defense bars of Georgia. I endorse and HIGHLY recommend this competent, professional, and RESPECTED D.U.I. defense attorney."

Jason Philip Cerbone headshot
Jason Cerbone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike Hawkins is the man. He can cross on a DUI case like nobody else. He taught me at the Harvard Summer Session in July. He was my breakout group leader. He is one of the most talked about DUI lawyers in Georgia. His techniques for cross-examination in DUI cases are awesome. Thank You for everything! I endorse this lawyer."

Richard T. Ryczek Jr. headshot
Richard Ryczek

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a good friend. Mike Hawkins and Gus McDonald took me under their wing when I was a band new lawyer, and helped me develop into a better lawyer. He has always been willing to share his knowledge and expertise, and I am grateful for that. He is not only recognized as one of the best lawyers in the State, but he is widely known as one of the best lawyers in the country. Mike is at the top of the food chain."

Lance Warren Tyler headshot
Lance Tyler

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Hawkins is a phenomenal trial attorney and a top tier DUI defense attorney. He routinely achieves amazing results for his clients and makes it look easy. I have had the pleasure of watching him in action and I am always amazed at his preparation, skill, knowledge and tenacity in representing his clients. Mr. Hawkins is a zealous advocate for his clients and an asset to the profession."

Tracey Ann Wood headshot
Tracey Wood

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike Hawkins is one of this country's top dwi attorneys. He was my successor as Regent to the National College for Dui Defense, and that organization could have picked no one better. Mike is also one of the highest rated speakers on defense topics in the country. He has my highest recommendation."

Woodrow Scott Smith headshot
Woodrow Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I know Michael to be a highly dedicated, knowledgeable, and aggressive criminal defense attorney, with substantial experience in DUI defense. As a fellow member of the criminal defense bar, I am proud to have Michael as a colleague and recommend his services without hesitation. He is top notch."

Harley O. Wagner headshot
Harley Wagner

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Mike Hawkins is undoubtedly amongst this select group. His reputation for professional excellence far exceeds the borders of Georgia. His reputation as a well trained, experienced, ultra talented yet deeply compassionate, DUI defense attorney is not only national but matched by very few. I proudly and loudly endorse Mike Hawkins. The citizen accused could be in no better hands. Period. The fact that he is a personal friend is but a bonus."

Mark B Bullman headshot
Mark Bullman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a superb lawyer and a great person. He is a zealous advocate with a heart and a dedication to seeing justice done. I unequivocally endorse Mike."

David Howard Goldstein headshot
David Goldstein

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Hawkins is an outstanding DUI attorney, deffinitely one of the best in his field. I have overheard Mike being discussed by police officers as conducting, "the toughest cross-examination." High praise indeed for a deserving attorney."

Jeffrey Charles Meadows headshot
Jeffrey Meadows

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have had the privilege of seeing Mike Hawkins speak at national DUI defense seminars and it is obvious that Mike not only has a white-knuckled grip of the law, but he is also extremely creative and energetic in his approach to DUI defense. I am a better lawyer for having seen his presentations on DUI defense!"

Gus McDonald Jr. headshot
Gus McDonald

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The hardest working lawyer in this State. Mike has the connections, legal mind and skill to take the worst case and get phenomenal results. When you leave the courtroom you can see the faces of the prosecution wondering what just happened. If you want results he is the lawyer to hire bar none. Quick, detailed and dedicated to his clients. His ethics keep him at the pinnacle of the defense bar. You can trust him to do what he says always. The prosecutors of this state know that he means business and as a result his clients benefit greatly. You can not go wrong, his wit and passion will carry the day!"

View All Endorsements
Guy J. Notte headshot
Guy Notte

Criminal defense lawyer

David Anthony LaMalva headshot
David LaMalva

Criminal defense lawyer

Tracey Ann Wood headshot
Tracey Wood

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeremiah Kent Jarmin headshot
Jeremiah Jarmin

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffery Alan Rothman headshot
Jeffery Rothman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Thomas Scott Barton headshot
Thomas Barton

DUI and DWI lawyer

Elmer H. Young III headshot
Elmer Young

DUI and DWI lawyer

Woodrow Scott Smith headshot
Woodrow Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer

Harley O. Wagner headshot
Harley Wagner

DUI and DWI lawyer

Mark B Bullman headshot
Mark Bullman

Wrongful death lawyer

Matthew Wayne Kilgo headshot
Matthew Kilgo

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeffrey Charles Meadows headshot
Jeffrey Meadows

DUI and DWI lawyer

Gus McDonald Jr. headshot
Gus McDonald

DUI and DWI lawyer

Russell Tiner Bryant headshot
Russell Bryant

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter A. Law headshot
Peter Law

Personal injury lawyer

Sara Elizabeth Compher-Rice headshot
Sara Compher-Rice

DUI and DWI lawyer

Steven Oberman headshot
Steven Oberman

DUI and DWI lawyer

D. Benjamin Sessions headshot
D. Sessions

DUI and DWI lawyer

Charles T. Magarahan headshot
Charles Magarahan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2016

Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, SuperLawyers

2015

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, Super Lawyers

2014

Lawyer of the Year - DUI Defense, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia, Super Lawyers

2013

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2012

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2011

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2010

Georgia Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine

2010

Best Lawyers in Georgia, Atlanta Journal Constitution

2010

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2009

The Best NACDL Speakers of 2009, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2009

Georgia Super Lawyer, Atlanta Magazine

2008

Georgia Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine

2008

Elected to the Board of Regents, National College for DUI Defense

2007

Georgia Super Lawyers, Atlanta Magazine

2006

Georgia Super Lawyers,

2006

Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense

2005

Georgia Super Lawyers,

2004

Georgia Super Lawyers,

2003

Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense

2002

Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense

2001

Board Certification, National College for DUI Defense

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Senior Partner, Hawkins Spizman Fortas, LLC

2008 - Present

Principal, The Hawkins Law Firm

2016 - 2019

Managing Partner, Hawkins Spizman Kilgo, LLC

1998 - 2008

Partner, The Chestney-Hawkins Law Firm

1996 - 1998

Associate, The Chestney Law Firm

1994 - 1996

Assistant District Attorney, Rockdale County District Attorney

1992 - 1994

Assistant Solicitor, DeKalb County Solicitor-General

Associations

2012 - Present

NCDD Board Certification Committee

Chairperson

2008 - Present

National College for DUI Defense

Regent

2006 - 2007

DeKalb Bar Association

President

2006 - 2017

National College of DUI Defense

Sustaining Member

2000 - 2017

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1996 - 2017

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1992 - 2017

State Bar of Georgia

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Maranda Ayers

Roadblock was declared unconstitutional.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

Emory University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa (main campus)

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2010

National College for DUI Defense Blood Testing: The low budget approach

2009

National College for DUI Defense Summer Session Cross Examination: Teeing Up Your Shot and Making It Stick

2008

National College for DUI Defense

Closing Arguments That Win

2008

Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute

Cross-Examination Techniques

2007

DUI Means Defend With Ingenuity Seminar

DUI Defense

2006

NCDD Summer Session

DUI Defense

2006

Mastering Science Seminar

DUI Defense

2006

GACDL Fall Seminar

DUI Defense

2006

DUI Means Defend With Ingenuity Seminar

DUI Defense

2005

DUI Means Defend With Ingenuity Seminar

DUI Defense

Publications

2007

Drinking/Driving Litigation: Criminal and Civil Attacking HGN Evidence

2005

Drunk Driving Defense Preparing for Plan B: Sentencing in DUI Cases

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution